They are:
Forwards: Abbey Constable, Abbie Fleming, Alex Callander, Bethan Lewis, Bryonie King, Cara Hope, Caryl Thomas, Carys Phillips, Cerys Hale, Charlie Mundy, Georgia Evans, Gwen Crabb, Gwenllian Pyrs, Kat Evans, Kate Williams, Kelsey Jones, Natalia John, Sioned Harries, Sisilia Tuipulotu (19)
Backs: Amelia Tutt, Carys Williams-Morris, Catherine Richards, Courtney Keight, Elinor Snowsill, Ffion Lewis, Hannah Bluck, Hannah Jones (captain), Jenna De Vera, Keira Bevan, Kerin Lake, Lisa Neumann, Lleucu George, Lowri Norkett, Megan Davies, Niamh Terry, Robyn Wilkins (17)
Alongside the familiar names come six uncapped players: Abbey Constable (prop), Bryonie King and Kate Williams (both flankers), Charlie Mundy (lock), and Catherine Richards and Jenna De Vera (both centres). Williams is an interesting case: born in Wales but raised in New Zealand, she has opted to play for the land of her birth.
Three players return to the squad: Meg Davies and Courtney Keight (both Bristol Bears) and Hannah Bluck (University of Worcester Warriors).
Hannah Jones retains the captaincy that she inherited from Siwan Lillicrap.
The Outlook
Wales won’t find it easy retaining the third place they gained last year. Though Cunningham has included younger players who figured in the recent Celtic Challenge, Wales’ performances there were a distance below what the management must have been hoping for. They lost at home to both Ireland and Scotland.
As soon as he took over, Cunningham saw the need to restore Welsh self-confidence. While contracts and a fine training centre are in place, the pall hanging over Welsh rugby as a whole cannot help that process.
As with other nations, twin targets are in view: the imminent 6 Nations and a World Cup that is already appearing on the horizon. To that end Cunningham is determined to increase the depth of his squad.
Wales are one of the unlucky three this year, having only two matches to host. Their first round match against Ireland will mark their 40th match in the Six Nations. They will hope to repeat their excellent away win 27-19 last season. The second home game is against England.
